Wed Aug 20 20:28:30 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
**The Hindu: World Affairs**
**Russia Praises India-China Thaw, Vows Continued Support Despite U.S. Tariffs**
*New Delhi, August 21, 2025* – Russia has expressed its approval of the improving relationship between India and China, while simultaneously reaffirming its commitment to robust economic and defense cooperation with India. The statements come as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Moscow for talks with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, Roman Babushkin, Chargé d’affaires at the Russian Embassy in India, lauded Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit to India. He emphasized the importance of stronger ties within the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) frameworks.
Babushkin criticized the recent U.S. tariffs imposed on India, branding them as “illegal” and a tool that “disrespect national interests.” He asserted that BRICS nations could formulate a collective response to these measures. He further urged Indian producers to look to the Russian markets.
Despite the U.S. pressure, Babushkin stated that energy trade between India and Russia remains unaffected, with Russia supplying over 40% of India’s crude oil needs. He even hinted at potential discounts for India on future purchases.
On the defense front, Babushkin reiterated Russia’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative, promising continued cooperation in jet engine development and the Sudarshan Chakra multi-layered air defense system. He touted the S-400 air defense system’s “very successful battle test” during “Operation Sindoor.”
Babushkin also noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit New Delhi for the annual Russia-India summit, though the dates are yet to be finalized. He also added that a Russia-India-China summit will take place at the “right time” and that the leaders will meet in Tianjin for a Heads of State Council meeting of SCO.
The remarks from the Russian embassy come at a crucial juncture, balancing India’s trade relations with the U.S. Russia has successfully reconfigured its economy after the Ukraine crisis, becoming a major energy supplier to both China and India. A positive turn in India-China ties aligns better for Russia’s global moves and sets the stage for a major meeting along the RIC – Russia-India-China – format.
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